Director-general Tim Davie admitted there are "lessons to be learned" following the broadcaster's extensive coverage of the Duke of Edinburgh's death on April 9. Mr Davie made the comment during a BBC board meeting on April 22.

       The remark suggests the corporation may gjve less time to royal deaths in the future.

       The BBC's coverage of Philip's death became the most complained about piece of programming in its history.

       The schedules of BBC One and BBC Two were cleared the day the Duke passed away to cover his death.

       But the broadcaster received a record 109,741 complaints from viewers who were furious they missed out on shows including the MasterChef final and EastEnders.

       Meanwhile, BBC Four was taken off air completely.

       The coverage saw BBC One's audience drop six percent week-on-week and BBC Two's fall by 65 percent.

       ITV and Channel 4 also changed their schedules to cover the royal patriarch's death.

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       However, the BBC attracted the staggering number of complaints after creating a dedicated online form which made it easier for angry viewers to get in touch.

       According to minutes from the BBC board meeting, reported in The Times, Mr Davie said that “viewing on the night of the announcement was lower than expected”.

       But he added that the coverage had been “accomplished, both in the implementation of the technical plans and editorial”.

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       In a statement at the time, the BBC said: “The passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was a significant event which generated a lot of interest both nationally and internationally.

       "We acknowledge some viewers were unhappy with the level of coverage given, and impact this had on the billed TV and Radio schedules.

       "We do not make such changes without careful consideration and the decisions made reflect the role the BBC plays as the national broadcaster, during moments of national significance.

       "We are grateful for all feedback, and we always listen to the response from our audiences."

       The broadcaster received further complaints for its coverage of the Duke's funeral on April 17.

       The BBC declined to comment further.